After a strong series against Boston the Dodgers sat just a game out of first place as the week started. Even amidst bad news about Clayton Kershaw this group continues to just get it done.

That is going to make it tough for a Philly team that is already thinking about next year.

They do have some mound studs but are sliding further from relevance every week.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies have seen their offense spike a bit lately and as a result they have been in more games. Over their last 10 games they have scored more than 5 runs seven times.

Catcher Cameron Rupp has emerged as a nice source of pop behind the plate with 13 homers in just 267 ABs. He has also raised his average 40 points from where it was a year ago so they can keep him in the lineup.

When the offense is solid this team can compete.

Velasquez has cooled after his rocket start but his numbers are good.

He has given up more than 2ER just once his last nine starts and has proven that he can get a strikeout in a big situation when he needs one.

His road/home splits are not great though and he definitely prefers pitching at home. Despite his overall good pitching the Phillies have not won one of his starts in a month.

Los Angeles Dodgers

With Kershaw out another month and Yasiel Puig in the Minors the Dodgers should have faded into obscurity right? They continue to lay down though, relying on the occasional offensive outburst or dynamic pitching performance to stay rightthere with San Francisco.

Kenta Maeda has been a godsend this season. Not only has the import been effective – 3.22 ERA – but he has been reliable, leading the team with 22 starts.

It would be great if he worked deeper into ball games but when he leaves after giving up just 2 or 3 runs over 6IP L.A. has a great chance to win.

You can make an easy argument that the Dodgers have the league’s best bullpen in support.

MLB Baseball Betting Trends:

LAD are 11-2 in their last 13 Tue. games.

LAD are 26-9 in their last 35 home games.

Under is 39-18 in LAD last 57 home games.

Free Philadelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers MLB Prediction:

The Phillies will likely be the underdogs in this one but are intriguing choice with Velasquez on the hill. How this team plays has become pretty unpredictable but he could certainly dazzle.

Los Angeles has to be looking at the series as a must win so there will be a little pressure on the group. So far they have responded but it still tough to identify when their offense is going to be enough from game to game.

4* Free MLB Betting Pick: Philadelphia

I keep thinking that at some point L.A. is going to have a significant bad run that knocks them out of the race. It could start this week against Philly. With Velasquez I think the Phillies can hold their own.

MLB Free Score Prediction: Philadelphia 5 – Los Angeles 4

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About The Wiesguy

5 Long years ago in a galaxy far far away the Wiesguy was a newcomer to the handicapping scene. Now...not so much. A true expert. Hailing from Toronto, Canada he is always sweet on the underdogs and you can often find his thoughts, musings and picks at moneydogs.blogspot.com.